New Research Shows Probiotics Help Your Immune System

Thanks to a recent discovery by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, we may soon have better understanding why the long term use of antibiotic drugs causes secondary bacterial infections over time has troubled medical science for decades [1].

The cause appears to be the destruction of beneficial bacteria that normally reside in the human digestive tract. It seems that the presence of this bacteria helps keep the body’s immune system better primed for action against transient, or “bad,” bacteria that may cause infection.

Professor of Microbiology and Pediatrics, Jeffrey Weiser, MD, gives the popular analogy of moving a car. That is to say, it’s significantly easier to move a car that’s engine is running at idle speed than one that hasn’t been switched on yet.

“One of the complications of antibiotic therapy is secondary infection. This is a huge problem in hospitals, but there hasn’t been a mechanistic understanding of how that occurs. We suggest that if the immune system is on idle, and you treat someone with broad-spectrum antibiotics, then you turn the system off. The system is deprimed and will be less efficient at responding quickly to new infections.”

How does “Good” Bacteria Help Protect the Body from “Bad” Bacteria?

Resident beneficial bacteria appear to stimulate the production of a particular type of white blood cell, known as a neutrophil, which plays a large role in the human body’s natural ability to fight off foreign pathogens.

Not only do broad spectrum antibiotics kill off the infectious bacteria that causes illness, they also kill the harmless good bacteria as well. This essentially leads the neutrophils to enter a dormant state thereby slowing their response time when faced with a genuine threat. This gives invading bacteria an initial edge when it first enters the body.

How Can I Rejuvenate Beneficial Bacteria After Using Prescription Antibiotics?

Fortunately for individuals who have little choice but to use antibiotic drugs, studies in mice have shown that naturally occurring beneficial bacteria repopulate the digestive tract over time. This is because the bacteria itself is pulled directly from environmental sources such as air and water.

By quickly using up the resources that harmful bacteria need to thrive, probiotics act as a sort of temporary cleaning crew that help prime the digestive tract for more permanent beneficial bacteria. Once they have served their purpose, they are gently passed with other waste from the body.

In order to create a more hospitable intestinal environment for healthy bacteria to colonize, I also recommend using a quality probiotic supplement such as Latero-Flora.

Latero-Flora is one of the finest probiotic supplements available anywhere in the world. Its unique formula is derived from microorganisms found in Icelandic soil. As one of the best probiotic supplements, Latero-Flora is 100% safe and all natural. I personally take it every morning, and so does my family.

An alternative to taking a probiotic supplement, is to eat an abundance of probiotic foods. These would include cultured yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso soup, tempeh, kimchi, blue-green algae and some dark chocolates. These would all make great additions to your diet, however, you’re still better off taking a probiotic supplement, as they have more microorganisms that are beneficial to your health.

If, for whatever reason, you are forced to take antibiotics, I strongly recommend that you take a quality probiotic supplement to balance the bacterial life your body. Not only will you feel healthier, but you will give your immune system the best chance to fight off infections.

Let me hear your thoughts! Do you take a probiotic supplement or eat probiotic foods? If so, please share your experience with everyone in the comments below.

– Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

Perelman School of Medicine. “Good” Bacteria keep immune system primed to fight future infections, according to Penn study. University of Pennsylvania Health System. 2010 January 26.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.

Jessica S

Hello Dr. G,
I am getting ready to do your oxygen clense, this will be my second. I had some trouble during the first one with regard to the calorie (I’m asssuming) intake. By the fourth day I was extremely lethargic. Any suggestions? Otherwise, I loved it and found it very effective.
Thanks

Jennifer

Isn’t there probiotics in yogurt? I’ve always been told to eat yogurt after having the flu or other illnesses in order to reset my digestive and immune system.

Marsha Ashley

Probiotics may be good but what about forcing the body’s own immune system to fight off infections? IN this book i’m reading, “Ask the Good Doctor”, the woman avoided contracting HIV from her husband (whom didn’t tell her about his disease until his death bed) via her all natural and holistic lifestyle. She took such good care of herself through homeopathic remedies that she got a clean bill of health even after that order.

Isn’t that something we should think about as well?

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Really you have done a good job. The written style is very prompt and the highly practical manners. So fruitful for us.She took such good care of herself through homeopathic remedies that she got a clean bill of health even after that order. I am looking forward to reading more from you. Keep up the good work. thanks.

Laura

I also love getting my probiotics from yoghurt. Although I am assuming that you need to get the natural yoghurt which has actually been cultured in the container you buy them in. Right?

Christine Mattice

Thanks for the great tips. I always try to eat yogurt while I’m taking antipiotics. I have read that yogurt will replace the good bacteria in your digestive tract.

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